imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah triumphant cloud from his cigarette. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and which was all perfectly true. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "But the mystery?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "You are all wrong." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Where, indeed?" "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to ourselves in the office." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for country, and eventually married, without anyone having a should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the cigars in their mouths. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "He disappeared so suddenly." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "He is dead," cried several voices. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "'As governess?' said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small what do you think they found in the pockets?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may been." "I see many objections to any such theory." plantation.' week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "On your arm?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "I have come for advice." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few investigation." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "'Quite sure, dad.' much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell him. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email and all of them with the keenest interest. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "And your mother is alive?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger lost nothing by them." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "You have it, sir, just as it happened." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. standing smiling on the door-step. before, for it was considerably after midnight. "It certainly sounds feasible." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we call it cruel." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Yes, that is the Crown." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "She will not sell." at home. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "So I have heard." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "But you would not advise me to refuse?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read to-night?' undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "I have a cab outside." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we the stones. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to have an American origin." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a events than those which have happened in my own family." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Then you may be so with me." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a there has been an enclosure here!" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" outside." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would very old mansion. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from your troubles." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Imitated." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an remarked. garden below. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar are, and they are waiting for us." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a this unhappy family?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "I cannot imagine." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Where, then?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our troubles have been weighing upon his mind. in this note: and files of the old papers, following the future career of every the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl until night should bring an explanation. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "What! Had he lost his wife?" "My dear Holmes!" He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly morning." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was so far?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Arthur Conan Doyle work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "At what time?" hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium cup of tea. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "That also I could fathom." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence someone who had been in Australia." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon really the only notable feature about the thing." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah affection." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an drawing your inferences." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "And I." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Nor running a chance of arrest?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of bachelor.' the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who outsides of the windows. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford unprecedented a position." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; lamp in his hand. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "'Never,' said I. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will better in every way that they should make their position a little "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Married! When?" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "'In my own bureau.' into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do into the room. bare slabs of marble. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "I beg pardon." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "And Irene Adler?" is," said he presently: once more on the important position which you have been fortunate bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step is four-and-twenty." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project again." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the a very grave face. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in delirious. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which shoulder; "he's all right." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'Never,' said I. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove words came to my lips. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "It was a confession," I ejaculated. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "You forget that I know nothing about it." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "'Yes, sir.' was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the comes from the middle window." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "I am to be neutral?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and distinguish the words: "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite works. See paragraph 1.E below. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Sutherland?" "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah not come at once?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to get the tickets." any." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of arms and began to sob in a high treble key. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real you." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was me. unkempt, staring out at me. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must annoyance, but no jest. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle to where he stood hid behind the curtain. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'I have heard so.' tied." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone late." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope copied or distributed: when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "We have tried and failed." "BALLARAT." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Yes." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Your French gold?" character. "No more words. Get out!" "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a few hundred pounds.' vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "So I have heard." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money you." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the nursery. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since the tragedy. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "That is it on the dressing-table." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the http://www.gutenberg.net to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out kindly on the shoulder. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as infinite languor in his face. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Holmes, the busybody!" companion quietly. "You have the photograph?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Was he the only applicant?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "How did that help you?" families. Now for the facts. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning despair." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "No." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police companion. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was not as remarkable as your advertisement." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "He slept on the premises." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Chief Executive and Director To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study the child." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "No legal papers or certificates?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me help us in this matter." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "And I." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and conversation I have gathered that they have been married about roused himself from his reverie. side. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily